Lactoferrin is synthesized by activated microglia in the human substantia nigra and its synthesis by the human microglial CHME cell line is upregulated by tumor necrosis factor α or 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium treatment

The presence of the iron-binding protein lactoferrin (Lf) in some specific areas of the central nervous system and particularly in the normal human substantia nigra, where it is found in dopaminergic (DA) neurons and some glial cells, led us to investigate Lf synthesis in this area. Lf mRNA were identified using in situ hybridization and found in small ameboid cells. These cells were identified using immunocytochemistry as activated microglia...